Page 56 of Sin and Deception

“Can we please leave me out of this?” Xander interjected from behind us.

Theo pressed his nose against mine, sending shivers down my spine as he spoke in a low, seductive tone. “EvenXander can't satisfy that need inside you when I put it there. Only I can make you scream, cry, and beg for mercy.”

“You're such an asshole,” I shot back, attempting to take control of the situation.

Theo's grip on my throat tightened slightly, yet his eyes sparkled with desire.

“It doesn't change the fact that you want me to make you scream, cry, and whimper," he said in a low, husky voice.

My breath caught in my throat as his words sank in, and all I could do was stare at him with wide eyes filled with a mix of need and frustration. My skin burned with this new, darker arousal coursing through me. My nipples ached, and my pussy throbbed.

"Am I wrong?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I couldn't deny the physical reaction my body had to him. “I hate how you can use my body against me. It's not fair.”

"When did I ever suggest I was a reasonable man?" He pressed his body against mine, pinning me between him and the cold metal wall of the jet. "You fought for the role of the Angelos. You nearly died for it. So why are you fleeing from it now? Give me the truth, Angel."

My lips trembled as I struggled to find the words. "Why can't I lie to you? It would make everything so much easier if I could."

"Because that's not how we operate," he said firmly. "Now tell me the truth. Give me the real reason you can't be the Angelos."

I wanted to turn away, hide my shame, and pretend thatmy weaknesses didn't exist. But Theo held me in place, refusing to let me escape.

Then Xander stepped into view next to Theo. "We're here with you," he said softly. "You're not alone anymore."

"That's exactly it!" I exclaimed, unable to hide my frustration. "Neither of you see it. It's not that I can't be the Angelos. I don’t deserve the power. You two do. Even if I come back, what role will I have? A figurehead, as useless as Andraius was."

"Don't compare yourself to that piece of shit," Xander's tone brooked no argument. "You are nothing like him."

"But it's the truth," I insisted. "How can I just take over again?"

Theo narrowed his eyes at me. "You're still holding back. What is it that scares you so much?"

I stared at him, struggling to find the words. They couldn't possibly understand that this wasn't something we could fix with a snap of our fingers.

A lump formed in my throat as my mind raced, unable to articulate my thoughts.

"Theo, move," Xander commanded. "You're only making things worse for her."

Frowning, Theo stepped aside and asked, "What do you mean?"

"This." In one swift motion, Xander lifted me into his arms and carried me to the couch like a small ragdoll instead of a tall woman.

"Is this necessary?" I protested as he settled me on his lap and tucked my head against his shoulder.

"Just relax," Xander murmured. "The conversation is over for now. We'll figure it out later."

My first instinct was to resist, to push him away and reject the comfort he offered. But with Xander's strong arms around me, I felt safe, protected, and loved. It had always been this way with him since we were teenagers.

He was my gentle giant, the ruthless enforcer who softened only for me. I could tell him anything without fear of judgment. It didn't matter how often I messed up. He was always there for me.

Theo and I fought fiercely and loved just as passionately. However, Xander and I shared a different kind of bond, one filled with easy conversations and deep emotions. It was effortless to open up to him.

We sat silently for what seemed like hours, listening to the hum of the jet's engines filling the space between us.

Finally, gathering my courage, I spoke up. "What if I mess everything up again?"

"What did you do wrong the first time?" Xander brushed a strand of hair from my forehead and gently kissed my brow. "I don't remember you doing anything wrong."

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